Chain saws are handy, hard-working tools. They can also be unwieldy and dangerous. These are our favorite tips for safe and effective chain sawing.

Chain Saw Blade Guard

Avoid the Kickback Zone

Cutting with the chain on the bottom of the bar is the most common and natural-feeling way to cut. The saw pulls slightly and is easy to control by maintaining a firm grip. Cutting from the underside of a branch requires you to cut with the top of the bar. This is a little unnerving at first because the saw pushes toward you. But it's safe as long as you're well braced and follow all other precautions.

However, there's one spot on the bar that you should carefully avoid. This spot, called the kickback zone, is the top half of the bar's tip. If the kickback zone comes in with something while the chain is moving, the saw will kick up and back toward you. That's why modern chain saws are equipped with a chain brake designed to stop the chain if a kickback occurs. It's also the reason you should always maintain an encircling grip with your thumb around the front handle. But the best defense is to avoid the kickback zone.